Introvert.

I am an introvert.

I do not like to talk to people unless I am ready to. I don't enjoy being in crowded rooms, or having anyone - regardless of if they're male or female - leering at me. I do not enjoy being judged on what I wear or what I listen to. I do not enjoy sharing personal details.

I enjoy being left alone for long periods of time. I enjoy having my music and my writing, my tv shows and my books and very little else. I enjoy being confined to my bedroom because from there I can reach into any of the million worlds I can pluck from my imagination.

So, when my parents call me antisocial and rude, I do find it rather upsetting. I'm not trying to be rude to either of you, I am not trying to ignore my family. I am just trying to get some headspace. I do not want to appear rude and ungrateful. I really do care about you, I just don't want to have you in my room or in my face when I want to be left alone.

My friends, I love you all dearly but you do have to accept that I do not want to be touched and talked at every single day. I have serious issues with human contact, I'm sorry for that and I am really trying to work on it. Don't you notice that I hug you back now? I don't mind the casual touches, you're all allowed to touch my hands and arms. I even sit on some of your laps, when asked to.

I would rather not go to your parties. I would rather not have your friends trying to invade my space. I don't want your friends telling me that I'm "interesting" with that little smile that means I'm a waste of their time. I don't want to be told that the books I read are "different" or that I'm "special". I really would rather be curled up in my bed with an oversized mug of tea and three separate books to read before the sun rises.

I'm not trying to be rude, believe me. I really do not want to offend any of you and I am sorry for turning down your invites. I do show up to a few of them, the important ones. I am their for your birthdays and Christmases, I don't mind those. I love parties when I'm in the mood, but otherwise I do want to stay at home.

Sorry for that.